Cord retainer

ABSTRACT

A cord retainer is utilized in association with a portable electrical device, such as a cellular phone or a portable disc player. The cord retainer includes a base which is connected with the electrical device or with a case for the electrical device. A flange is connected with and extends from the base. The flange and base may cooperate with a surface of a housing of the electrical device or with a surface of the case to at least partially define a groove into which a cord may be manually wound. The cord retainer may be integrally formed as one piece with the housing of the electrical device or with the case. The base of the cord retainer may cooperate with the housing of the electrical device or the case to form an opening through which a belt can be moved.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/631,110 filed Jul. 31, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,978 byDrew Zoller and entitled Cord Retainer. The benefit of the earlierfiling date of the aforementioned application Ser. No. 10/631,110 ishereby claimed. The disclosure in the aforementioned application Ser.No. 10/631,110 is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by thisreference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved cord retainer whichmay be utilized in association with a portable electrical device havinga cord.

A portable electrical device, that is, a hand held electrical devicewhich is capable of being easily carried and transported, may have acord which tends to become tangled and/or interfere with movement of theelectrical device. It has previously been suggested that cords onportable electrical devices can be held by reel assemblies in the mannerdisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0137554 A1 andin United Kingdom Published Patent Application No. 2 351 485 A.

When a cord reel, similar to the cord reels in the aforementionedpublished patent applications, is used in association with a portableelectrical device, the cord reel projects from the device. Theprojecting cord reel is bulky and tends to interfere with theportability of the electrical device. In addition, the projecting cordreel is detrimental to having a compact electrical device which can bereadily used.

It has been suggested that a portable electrical device may be enclosedby a case or housing that is provided with a loop. The loop provides aconvenient means of securing a headset and cord when they are not inuse. A portable electrical device having such a case is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,388,155.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved cord retainer foruse with a portable electrical device having a cord. The electricaldevice may be at least partially enclosed by a case. The cord retaineris compact and is effective to store a cord without interfering withcarrying and use of the electrical device. The cord retainer may have aflange which is connected with a housing of the electrical device orwith the case forth the electrical device. The flange of the cordretainer at least partially defines a groove into which the cord may bemanually wound.

The cord retainer may be fixedly connected with a housing for theportable electrical device. When a case is used to enclosed at least aportion of the housing for the electrical device, the cord retainer maybe fixedly connected to the case. The cord retainer may function as abelt clip to connect the electrical device with a belt.

The cord retainer may be movable between a retracted position in whichthe cord retainer is at least partially enclosed by the housing for theportable electrical device and an extended position in which the cordretainer extends outward from the housing. The cord retainer may have arecess which receives a component of the portable electrical device.

It is contemplated that a cord retainer constructed in accordance withthe present invention will be utilized in association with manydifferent types of portable electrical devices. The cord retainer may beparticularly advantageous when utilized in association with a cellularphone. However, it should be understood that the cord retainer may beutilized in association with other portable electrical devices, such asdisc players, digital music players, and/or radios.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will becomemore apparent upon a consideration of the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front plan view of a portable electrical device;

FIG. 2 is a schematic rear plan view of the portable electrical deviceof FIG. 1 and illustrating the manner in which a cord retainerconstructed in accordance with the present invention is connected withthe electrical device;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevational view, taken generally along theline 3—3 of FIG. 2, further illustrating the relationship between thecord retainer and the electrical device;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top pictorial illustration of the cord retainer ofFIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a side pictorial illustration of the cord retainer of FIGS. 2and 3;

FIG. 6 is a bottom pictorial illustration of the cord retainer of FIGS.2 and 3;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic pictorial illustration depicting themanner in which the cord retainer of FIGS. 4–6 may be integrally formedas one piece with the electrical device of FIGS. 1–3;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side elevational view of an embodiment of a cordretainer having inner and outer flanges;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary schematic pictorial illustration depicting themanner in which the cord retainer may be mounted for movement betweenextended and retracted positions;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary schematic pictorial illustration, generallysimilar to FIG. 9, of another embodiment of the cord retainer;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a reclosable fastener;

FIG. 12 is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting the manner inwhich the cord retainer may be connected with a case for a portableelectrical device;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view, taken generally alongthe line 13—13 of FIG. 12, and illustrating the relationship of the cordretainer and case to the portable electrical device, the cord retainerbeing integrally formed as one piece with the case;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view, generally similar toFIG. 13, of an embodiment in which the cord retainer is connected withthe case by a fastener;

FIG. 15 is a schematic pictorial illustration, similar to FIG. 12, of anembodiment in which the cord retainer functions as a belt clip;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken generally along the line16—16 of FIG. 15, illustrating the manner in which the cord retainerforms a belt clip when used with a case for a portable electricaldevice; and

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view, generally similar to FIG. 16,of illustrating the manner in which the cord retainer forms a belt clipwhen used with a housing for a portable electrical device.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A known portable electrical device 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. Althoughthe portable electrical device 10 is a cellular phone, it should beunderstood that the cellular phone is representative of many differentknown types of portable electrical devices. For example, the portableelectrical device may be a disc player, digital music player, or radio.

The cellular phone 10 includes a housing 12 having a front side 14 and arear side 16 (FIGS. 2 and 3). A key pad 20, speaker 22, microphone 24and display 26 (FIG. 1) are disposed on the front side 14 of the housing12. It should be understood that the cellular phone 10 may have any oneof many known constructions. The specific cellular telephone 10illustrated in FIGS. 1–3 is merely representative of many differentknown cellular telephones.

A cord retainer 32 (FIGS. 2 and 3), constructed in accordance with thepresent invention, is mounted on the rear side 16 of the housing 12. Thecord retainer 32 is integrally formed of a single piece of moldedpolymeric material. However, if desired the cord retainer 32 could beformed of a plurality of pieces of polymeric material or of anothermaterial, such as metal.

The cord retainer 32 at least partially defines a groove 34 (FIG. 3)into which a cord may be manually wound to store the cord. The cord mayhave any one of many known constructions. For example, the cord may besimilar to the cord disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2002/0137554 A1.

A first end of the cord may be connected with an outlet on the portableelectrical device 10 or inserted into a notch or recess 38 (FIG. 2) inthe cord retainer 32. The cord is manually grasped and wound around thecord retainer 32. As this occurs, a plurality of turns are formed in thecord around the cord retainer 32 to at least partially fill the groove34 with the electrical cord. The cord retainer 32 does not move relativeto the housing 12 as the cord is wound around the cord retainer. Thesecond end of the cord may then be secured by inserting it into a secondnotch or recess 40 in the cord retainer 32. The stored cord and cordretainer 32 projects for a relatively small distance from the housing 12and does not destroy the compact construction and portability of thecellular phone 10.

In the specific embodiment of the cord retainer 32 illustrated in FIGS.2 and 3, there are two notches 38 and 40 in the cord retainer. However,a greater or lesser number of notches may be provided if desired. Forexample, four notches or recesses, having the same configuration as thenotches 38 and 40, may be formed in the cord retainer 32. This wouldenable the portion of the free end of the cord to be relatively close toa notch into which the cord is inserted. Of course, an even greaternumber of notches may be provided in the cord retainer 32 if desired.

It is contemplated that the notches 38 and 40 may be omitted and thecord secured to the cord retainer 32 only by winding the cord in thegroove 34. If desired, the groove 34 may be provided with a partiallyrestricted entrance to retard movement of the cord from the groove. Ifthe notches 38 and 40 are omitted, clips may be used to further hold thecord in the groove 34. These clips may be connected with the cordretainer 32 or may be separate from the cord retainer.

The cord retainer 32 is fixedly connected with the housing 12. Areleasable fastener 42 (FIG. 11), specifically “dual lock” (trademark)reclosable fastener 42, is utilized to fixedly connect the cord retainer32 with the housing 12. “Dual lock” (trademark) reclosable fastener iscommercially available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company(aka 3M) of Saint Paul, Minn. “Dual lock” (trademark) reclosablefastener has been described as polypropylene reclosable fastener whichincludes a rubber based pressure sensitive adhesive with 170 to 400stems per square inch, black foam adhesive, and white polyethylene filmliner. The fastener may be black and/or clear.

Other known types of fasteners may be utilized to fixedly connect thecord retainer 32 with the housing 12. For example, one or more screws orsimilar type fastener may be utilized. Alternatively, a single layer ofadhesive may be utilized to connect the cord retainer 32 with thehousing 12. If desired, a hook and loop type fastener, such as “velcro”(trademark), may be used to fixedly connect the cord retainer 32 to thehousing 12. Regardless of what type of fastener is used, the cordretainer 32 is held in a stationary relationship with the housing 12 bythe fastener.

When a releasable fastener, such as “dual lock” (trademark) or “Velcro”(trademark), is utilized to fixedly connect the cord retainer 32 to thehousing 12, the cord retainer may be easily disconnected from thehousing. This enables an individual using the portable electrical device10 to easily disconnect the cord retainer 32 from the housing 12. Oncethe cord retainer 32 has been disconnected from the housing 12, the useof a releasable fastener enables the cord retainer 32 to be easilyreconnected to the housing.

The cord retainer 32 has an oval configuration. However, if desired, thecord retainer 32 may have a different configuration, such as a circularconfiguration. It is believed that the illustrated oval configuration ofthe cord retainer 32 may be preferred. This is because the ovalconfiguration of the cord retainer 32 tends to maximize the length ofthe oval groove 34. This tends to maximize the length of cord which willbe disposed in each turn of the cord around the cord retainer 32.

If the cord retainer 32 is constructed with a circular configuration,the length or circumference of the annular groove may be less than thelength of the oval groove 34. Therefore, more turns of the cord wouldhave to be made around the cord retainer in order to store the cord inthe groove 34. However, if the housing 12 has a square configuration,rather than the illustrated rectangular configuration, it may bepreferred to utilize a cord retainer 32 having a circular configuration.

Cord Retainer

The construction of the cord retainer 32 is illustrated in FIGS. 4through 6. The cord retainer 32 is integrally formed as one piece ofmolded polymeric material. The cord retainer 32 includes a base portion46 and a plate portion 48 (FIGS. 4–6). If desired, the base portion 46and plate portion 48 may be formed separately and interconnected withone or more fasteners.

The base portion 46 and plate portion 48 both have an ovalconfiguration. However, the plate portion 48 extends beyond the baseportion 46 to form a flange 50. As is perhaps best seen in FIG. 3, theflange 50 has an inner side surface which cooperates with the rear side16 of the housing 12 and the base portion 46 to form the groove 34.

Since the plate portion 48 has an oval configuration which correspondsto the oval configuration of the base portion 46, the flange 50 extendsoutward from the base portion 46 by substantially the same distancethroughout the extent of the flange. This results in the groove 34 (FIG.3) having the same depth throughout its extent. Therefore, turns of thecord which are wrapped around the base portion 46 can be firmly grippedbetween the flange 50 and the rear side 16 of the housing 12 throughoutthe extent of the groove 34.

The oval base portion 46 has parallel side surfaces 51 and 52 (FIG. 6).The side surfaces 51 and 52 are interconnected by arcuate end surfaces53 and 55. The flange 50 has the same configuration as the base portion46. When the cord is wrapped around the cord retainer 32, turns of thecord are pressed against the side surfaces 51 and 52 and the endsurfaces 53 and 55 on the base portion 46. In addition, turns of thecord engage the inner side of the flange 50 and the rear side 16 of thehousing 12. The cord retainer 32 is stationary relative to the housing12 as the cord is manually wound around the cord retainer.

A recess 54 (FIG. 6) is formed in the base portion 46 to receive afastener formed by a strip of material. The fastener may include a firststrip of adhesive which bonds or secures to the flat inner side surfaceof the recess 54. The fastener may have a second or outer strip ofadhesive. A removable covering strip may be provided on the second orouter strip of adhesive to prevent it from bonding to objects other thanthe rear side 16 of the housing 12. If a reclosable fastener, such as“dual lock” (trademark) is utilized, a portion of the reclosablefastener would be positioned in the recess 54.

The depth of the recess 54 will depend upon the thickness of thefastener utilized. If a single layer of adhesive is used as thefastener, the recess 54 will be shallow. If a multiple layered fastener,such as “dual lock” (trademark) or “velcro” (trademark), is utilized,the recess 54 will be relatively deep.

If a fastener which is not formed as a strip is utilized, the recess 54may be eliminated. Thus, if screws or similar devices are utilized toattach the cord retainer 32 to the housing 12, the recess 54 may beomitted. Alternatively, a screw type fastener and adhesive may both beutilized to connect the cord retainer 32 with the housing 12. If this isdone, the recess 54 would be provided to receive the adhesive.

Integral Retainer and Housing

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1–6, the cordretainer 32 is integrally formed as one piece which is separate from thehousing 12. However, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 7, the cord retainer is integrally formed as one piece with thehousing. Since components of the embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIG. 7 are similar to components of the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 1–6, similar numerals will be utilized to designatesimilar components. The suffix letter “a” being added to the numerals ofFIG. 7 to avoid confusion.

A portable electrical device 10 a (FIG. 7) includes a housing 12 ahaving a front side 14 a and a rear side 16 a. In the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIG. 7, the portable electrical device is acellular telephone. Therefore, a keypad 20 a is disposed on the frontside 14 a of the housing 12 a. It should be understood that the portableelectrical device may be a device other than a cellular phone.

A cord retainer 32 a includes a base portion 46 a and a plate portion 48a. The plate portion 48 a extends outward from the base portion 46 a toform a flange 50 a. The flange 50 a cooperates with the rear side 16 aof the housing 12 a to form a groove 34 a into which a cord may bemanually wound.

In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the invention, thecord retainer 32 a is integrally formed as one piece with the housing 12a. Thus, the cord retainer 32 a and housing 12 a are integrally moldedas one piece of polymeric material. Although the cord retainer 32 a isformed as one piece with the housing 12 a, it should be understood thatthe cord retainer 32 a has the same configuration as the cord retainer32 of FIGS. 4–6. Of course, there is no recess, corresponding to therecess 54 of FIG. 6, in the base portion 46 a of the cord retainer 32 aof FIG. 7.

The base 46 a of the cord retainer 32 a is solid. However, the base ofthe cord retainer may be hollow. If the base 46 a of the cord retainer46 a is hollow, an opening may be provided in the housing 12 a to enablecomponents of the portable electrical device 10 a to be disposed in acavity in the cord retainer.

Cord Retainer-Two Flanges

In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1–7, the cordretainer 32 has a single flange 50 which cooperates with the rear side16 of the housing 12 to form the groove 34. In the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIG. 8, the cord retainer is provided with twoflanges which at least partially define a groove in which the cord isreceived. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 8 isgenerally similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1–7, similar numerals will be utilized to identify similarcomponents, the suffix letter “b” being added to the numerals associatedwith FIG. 8 in order to avoid confusion.

A cord retainer 32 b (FIG. 8) includes a base portion 46 b and an outerplate portion 48 b. The outer plate portion 48 b extends outward fromthe base portion 46 b to form a flange 50 b. The base portion 46 b andplate portion 48 b have the same configuration as the base portion 46and plate portion 48 of the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 4–6. A notch or recess 38 b for receiving an end portion of a cordis provided in the plate portion 48 b.

In accordance with a feature of the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIG. 8, the cord retainer 32 b includes a second plateportion 60. The plate portion 60 extends outward from the base portion46 b to form a second flange 62. The plate portion 60 extends generallyparallel to the plate portion 48 b. Therefore, the flanges 62 and 50 bextend generally parallel to each other. However, the inner flange 62 istapered to form a smooth junction with a housing on a portableelectrical device.

The plate portions 48 b and 60 of the cord retainer 32 b are integrallyformed as one piece with the base portion 46 b. Thus, the base portion46 b, plate portion 48 b and plate portion 60 are formed as a singlepiece of molded polymeric material. However, if desired either or bothof the plate portions 48 b and 60 may be formed separately from the baseportion 46 b.

A fastener 66 is disposed in a recess formed in the flange 60. Thefastener 66 is formed by a strip of material. The illustrated fastener66 is a reclosable fastener, specifically, “dual lock” (trademark).However, the fastener 66 may have a different construction if desired.For example, the fastener 66 may be formed of a suitable adhesive. Ifthe fastener 66 is formed of adhesive, a releasable cover strip may beprovided on the outside of the adhesive. The fastener 66 holds the cordretainer 32 a against movement relative to a housing of a portableelectrical device.

By forming the cord retainer 32 b with a pair of flanges 50 b and 62,the groove 34 b is formed between the flanges. When the cord is manuallywound in the groove 34 b, little or no force is applied by the cordagainst the housing of the portable electrical device to which the cordretainer 32 b is fixedly connected. Therefore, there is little or noforce tending to loosen the connection formed between the cord retainer32 b and the housing of the portable or electrical device by thefastener 66.

Operation

When the cord retainer 32 is to be connected with a housing 12 of anelectrical device 10, a protective covering layer is removed from afastener disposed in the recess 54 in the base of the cord retainer 32.The cord retainer 32 is then fixedly secured to the rear side 16 of thehousing 12 of the portable electrical device 10. The connection betweenthe cord retainer 32 and the rear side 16 of the housing 12 holds thecord retainer against movement relative to the housing.

When a cord associated with the cellular telephone 10 is to be stored inthe groove 34, the cord may be disconnected from or left in engagementwith an outlet 72 (FIG. 3) formed in the portable electrical device 10.If the cord remains in engagement with the outlet 72, the free portionof the cord is wrapped around the base 46 of the cord retainer 32. Theportion of the cord adjacent to the free end of the cord is theninserted into the notch or groove 38 or 40.

Regardless of whether or not the cord retainer 32 is formed separatelyfrom the housing 12 or is integrally formed as one piece with thehousing, the cord retainer is relatively compact. This is because thebase portion 46 of the cord retainer projects a relatively smalldistance outward from the rear side 16 of the housing 12. Due to theoval configuration of the cord retainer, a relatively long length of thecord is wound around the base portion of the cord retainer with eachturn of the cord in the groove 34. Therefore, the cord can be easilywound around the stationary cord retainer 32 by manually winding aplurality of turns of the cord around the base portion 46 of the cordretainer.

The cord which is stored with the cord retainer 32 may be for any one ofmany desired purposes. For example, an earplug may be disposed at oneend portion of the cord and the opposite end portion may have a jack foran outlet 72. Of course, the cord can be for other purposes if desired.The cord may be disconnected from the outlet 72 before being woundaround the cord retainer 32. Alternatively, the cord may be wound aroundthe retainer 32 while the cord is still connected to the outlet 72.

Although the cord retainer 32 has been described herein in associationwith a specific portable electrical device 10, that is, in associationwith a cellular phone, it is contemplated that the cord retainer may beutilized with other types of portable electrical devices. For example,the cord retainer 32 may be associated with a portable disc player,digital music player, or with a radio.

Movable Cord Retainer

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1–6, the cordretainer 32 is fixedly connected to the portable electrical device 10.In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9, the cordretainer is movable relative to the portable electrical device. Sincethe embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9 is generallysimilar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1–8,similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, thesuffix letter “c” being associated with the numerals of FIG. 9 to avoidconfusion.

A portable electrical device 10 c (FIG. 9) includes a housing 12 chaving a front side 14 c and rear side 16 c. In the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIG. 9, the portable electrical device 10 c isa cellular telephone. Therefore, a keypad 20 c is disposed on the frontside 14 c of the housing 12 c. It should be understood that the portableelectrical device may be a device other than a cellular telephone.

A cord retainer 32 c includes a base portion 46 c and a plate portion 48c. The plate portion 48 c extends outward from the base portion 46 c toform a flange 50 c. The flange 50 c cooperates with the rear side 16 cof the housing 12 c to form a groove 34 c into which a cord may bemanually wound. The cord retainer 32 c is integrally formed as one pieceof molded polymeric material. However, the cord retainer 32 c may beformed as a plurality of interconnected pieces if desired.

In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the invention, thecord retainer 32 c is movable relative to the housing 12 c. The cordretainer 32 c is illustrated in FIG. 9 in an extended position relativeto the housing 12 c. When the cord has been removed from the groove 34c, the cord retainer 32 c may be manually moved to the left (as viewedin FIG. 9) relative to the housing 12 c. This results in the base 46 cof the cord retainer 32 c moving into a cavity 72 formed in the portableelectrical device 10 c.

As the base 46 c moves into the cavity 72, the plate portion 48 c movesinto a recess 74 formed in the rear side 16 c of the housing 12 c. Therecess 74 has a configuration which corresponds to the configuration ofthe plate portion 48 c. Therefore, when the cord retainer 32 c has beenmoved from the extended position illustrated in FIG. 9 to its retractedposition, an outer surface 76 on the plate portion 48 c is aligned withthe outer side surface of the rear side 16 c of the housing 12 c. Thisresults in the retracted cord retainer 32 c being flush with theexterior of the housing 12 c to thereby minimize the overall size of theportable electrical device 10 c.

When the cord retainer 32 c is to be pulled from its retracted positionback to its extended position, a tab (not shown) on the plate portion 48c may be manually grasped and the cord retainer pulled outward towardthe extended position. Rather than providing a tab on the flange portion48 c, a manually engagable recess may be provided on the flange portion48 c to enable an individual utilizing the portable electrical device 10c to pull the cord retainer 32 c outward from the housing 12 d.Alternatively, a manually engagable D-ring may be pivotally mounted onthe plate portion 48 d.

As the cord retainer 32 c is pulled outward from the retracted positiontoward the extended position, retainer tabs 82 and 84 on the base 46 cof the cord retainer 32 c slide along linear grooves 86 and 88 formed inthe housing 12 c. When the cord retainer 32 c reaches the extendedposition illustrated in FIG. 9, the retainer tabs 82 and 84 engage stopsurfaces formed on the housing 12 c to limit outward movement of thecord retainer 32 c.

In accordance with another feature of the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIG. 9, the base 46 c of the cord retainer 32 c ishollow. This results in the base 46 c of the cord retainer 32 c having arecess or cavity 92 which may receive a component 94 of the portableelectrical device 10 c when the cord retainer 32 c is in its retractedposition. To form the recess 92, the base 46 c of the cord retainer 32 chas a side wall 94 with an oval cross sectional configuration as viewedin a plane extending parallel to the plate portion 46 c. The ovalconfiguration of the side wall 94 corresponds to the oval configurationof the plate portion 48 c. The oval configuration of the plate portion48 c is the same as the oval configuration of the plate portion 48 ofFIGS. 2–6.

Since the side wall 94 has an oval configuration, as viewed on a planeextending parallel to the flange portion 48 c, the recess 92 also has anoval configuration. If desired, the component 94 of the portableelectrical device 10 c may have an oval configuration which correspondsto the oval configuration of the recess 92. It should be understood thatthe cord retainer 32 c may have a configuration other than theillustrated oval configuration. For example, the cord retainer 32 c mayhave a circular configuration.

It should be understood that the component 94 of the electrical device10 c has been illustrated schematically in FIG. 9 and may be any one ofmany different components of the portable electrical device 10 c. Forexample, the component 94 may be a battery. Alternatively, the component94 may include a printed circuit board on which a plurality of solidstate devices are mounted. Of course, other components of the portableelectrical device 10 c may be positioned in the cavity 72.

When the cord retainer 32 c is in the retracted position with the plateportion 48 c disposed in the recess 74, the component 94 is disposed inthe recess 92 in the cord retainer 32 c. Thus, when the cord retainer 32c is in the retracted position, the side wall 94 of the cord retainer 32c extends around the component 94. By having the component 94 disposedin the cord retainer 32 c when the cord retainer is in the retractedposition, the compact construction of the portable electrical device 10c is maintained even though cord retainer 32 c has moved into thehousing 12 c when the cord retainer is in the retracted position.

When a cord is to be manually wound around the cord retainer 32 c, thecord retainer is moved from the retracted position to the extendedposition illustrated in FIG. 9. As the cord retainer 32 c moves from theretracted position to the extended position, the retaining tabs 82 and84 slide along the linear grooves 86 and 88 to guide movement of thecord retainer 32 c. In addition, the sidewall 94 engages a side surface98 of an opening in the housing 12 c to further guide the movement ofthe cord retainer 32 c. Therefore, the cord retainer 32 c is moved alonga straight path from the retracted position to the extended position.

As the cord retainer 32 c moves to the extended position, the side wall94 of the cord retainer is moved toward the right (as viewed in FIG. 9)relative to the component 94 of the portable electrical device 10 c. Inthe illustrated embodiment of the invention, the component 94 is fixedlyconnected with the housing 12 c and does not move outward with the cordretainer 32 c. However, if desired, the component 94 may be connectedwith the cord retainer 32 c so that the component remains in the recess92 in the cord retainer 32 c as the cord retainer is moved from theretracted position to the extended position. Of course, a portion of thecomponent 94 may be mounted in the recess 92 for movement with the cordretainer 32 c and another portion of the component 94 may be connectedwith the housing 12 c and remain stationary relative to the housing asthe cord retainer 32 c is pulled outward to the extended position ofFIG. 9.

Once the cord retainer 32 c is moved to the extended position of FIG. 9,a cord may be manually wound around the cord retainer in the mannerpreviously explained in conjunction with the embodiments of theinvention illustrated in FIGS. 1–8. As the cord is wound around theextended cord retainer 32 c, a portion of one or more turns of the cordmove into the recess 74 as the cord is wrapped around the side wall 94.In addition, the turns of the cord press against the flange 50 c. Theturns of the cord are held between the plate portion 48 c of the cordretainer 32 and the rear side surface 16 c which partially defines therecess 74. As the cord is manually wound around the side wall 94 of thecord retainer 32 c, the cord retainer is stationary relative to thehousing 12 c.

Movable Cord Retainer

Second Embodiment

In the embodiment of the cord retainer illustrated in FIG. 9, the baseportion 46 c of the cord retainer 32 c includes a continuous oval sidewall 94. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10, thecontinuous oval side wall is eliminated and the base is formed by aplurality of support sections or legs. Since the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIG. 10 is generally similar to the embodimentsof the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1–9, similar numerals will beutilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “d” beingassociated with the numerals of FIG. 10 to avoid confusion.

A portable electrical device 10 d (FIG. 10) includes a housing 12 dhaving a front side 14 d and a rear side 16 d. In the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIG. 10, the portable electrical device 10 d isa cellular telephone. Therefore, a keypad 20 d is disposed on the frontside 14 d of the housing 12 d. It should be understood that the portableelectrical device 10 d may be a device other than a cellular telephone.For example, the portable electrical device 10 d may be a compact discplayer or a radio.

The cord retainer 32 d includes a base portion 46 d and a plate portion48 d. The plate portion 48 d extends outward from the base portion 46 dto form a flange 50 d. The flange 50 d cooperates with the rear side 16d of the housing 12 d to form a groove 34 d into which a cord may bemanually wound. The cord retainer 32 d is integrally formed as one pieceof molded polymeric material. However, the cord retainer 32 d may beformed as a plurality of interconnected pieces if desired.

In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the invention, thecord retainer 32 d is movable relative to the housing 12 d. The cordretainer 32 d is illustrated in FIG. 10 in an extended position relativeto the housing 12 d. When the cord has been removed from the groove 34d, the cord retainer 32 d may be manually moved to the left (as viewedin FIG. 10) relative to the housing 12 d. This results in the base 46 dof the cord retainer 32 d moving into a cavity 72 d formed in theportable electrical device 10 d.

As the base 46 d moves into the cavity 72 d, the plate portion 48 dmoves into a recess 74 d in the rear side 16 d of the housing 12 d. Therecess 74 d has a configuration which corresponds to the configurationof the plate portion 48 d. Therefore, when the cord retainer 32 d hasbeen moved from the extended position illustrated in FIG. 10 to itsretracted position, an outer surface 76 d on the plate portion 78 d isaligned with the outer surface of the rear side 16 d of the housing 12d. This results in the retracted cord retainer 32 d being flush with theexterior of the housing 12 d thereby minimizing the overall size of theportable electrical device 10 d.

When the cord retainer 32 d is to be pulled from its retracted positionback to its extended position, a tab (not shown) on the plate portion 48d may be manually grasped and the cord retainer pulled outward towardthe extended position. Rather than pulling a tab on the flange portion48 d, a manually engagable recess may be provided in the flange portionto enable an individual utilizing the portable electrical device 10 d topull the cord retainer 32 d outward from the housing 12 d.Alternatively, a manually engagable D-ring may be pivotally mounted onthe plate portion 48 d.

As the cord retainer 32 d is pulled outward from the retracted positiontoward the extended position, retainer tabs 82 d and 84 d on the base 46d of the cord retainer 32 d slide along linear grooves 86 d and 88 dformed in the housing 12 d. When the cord retainer 32 d reaches theextended position illustrated in FIG. 9, the retainer tabs 82 d and 84 dengage stop surfaces formed on the housing 12 d to limit outwardmovement of the cord retainer 32 d.

In accordance with a feature of the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIG. 10, the base 46 d of the cord retainer 32 d isformed by a pair of support sections or legs 102 and 104. This resultsin the base 46 d of the cord retainer 32 d having a recess 92 d whichmay receive a component 94 d of the electrical device 10 d when the cordretainer is in its retracted position. In the illustrated embodiment ofthe invention, the support sections 102 and 104 are arcuate panelshaving a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the arcuateend surfaces 53 and 55 of the cord retainer 32 of FIG. 6. It should beunderstood that the cord retainer 32 d may have a configuration otherthan the illustrated oval configuration. For example, the cord retainer32 d may have a circular configuration.

The relatively small extent of the support sections 102 and 104,compared to the extent of the side wall 94 of FIG. 9, enables the cordretainer 32 d to be moved to the retracted position with the cordretainer in a minimum of space in the cavity 72 d. This maximizes thespace available for the component 94 d of the electrical device 10 d. Aswas previously mentioned, the component 94 d may be a battery and/orprinted circuit board with a solid state electronic devices thereon. Ofcourse, other components of the portable electric device 10 d may bepositioned in the cavity 72 d.

When the cord retainer 32 d is in the retracted position with a plateportion 48 d disposed in the recess 74 d, the component 94 d is disposedbetween the support sections 102 and 104 of the cord retainer 32 d.Thus, when the cord retainer 32 d is in the retracted position, thesupport sections 102 and 104 of the cord retainer are disposed in thecavity 72 d adjacent to opposite ends of the component 94 d. Byconstructing the base portion 46 d of the cord retainer 32 d with thepair of spaced apart support sections 102 and 104, the available spacein the cavity 72 d for the component 94 d tends to be maximized and thecompact construction of portable electrical device 10 d is facilitated.

When a cord is to be manually wound around the cord retainer 32 d, thecord retainer is moved from the retracted position, to the extendedposition illustrated in FIG. 10. As the cord retainer 32 d moves fromthe retracted position to the extended position, the retainer tabs 82 dand 84 d slide along the linear grooves 86 d and 88 d to guide movementof the cord retainer 32 d. In addition, the support sections 102 and 104engage side surfaces 98 d of openings in the housing 12 d to furtherguide movement of the cord retainer 32 d. Therefore, the cord retainer32 d is moved along a straight path from the retracted position to theextended position.

As the cord retainer 32 d moves to the extended position, the plateportion 48 d and support sections 102 and 104 of the cord retainer aremoved toward the right (as viewed in FIG. 10) relative to the component94 of the portable electrical device 10 d. Once the cord retainer 32 dis moved to the extended position of FIG. 10, the cord may be manuallywound around the cord retainer in the manner previously explained inconjunction with the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS.1–9. As the cord is wound around the extended retainer 32 d, a portionof one of more turns of the cord move into the recess 74 d as the cordis wrapped in the groove 34 d around the support sections 102 and 104.In addition, the turns of the cord press against the flange 50 d. Theturns of the cord are held between the plate portion 48 d of the cordretainer 32 d and the rear side surface 16 d which partially defines therecess 74 d. As the cord is manually wound around the support sections102 and 104 of the cord retainer 32 d, the cord retainer is stationaryrelative to the housing 12 d.

Case With Cord Retainer

In the embodiment of the cord retainer illustrated in FIGS. 1–11, thecord retainer is connected with the housing 12 for the portableelectrical device 10. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13, the cord retainer is connected with a case which atleast partially encloses the portable electrical device. Since theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 is generallysimilar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1–11,similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, thesuffix letter “e” being associated with the numerals of 12 and 13 toavoid confusion.

A known portable electrical device 10 e is illustrated in FIG. 12 asbeing enclosed by a case 120. A cord retainer 32 e is mounted on anupper major side 124 of the case 120. The cord retainer 32 e has thesame general construction and function as the cord retainers 32, 32 aand 32 b of FIGS. 1–8.

In addition to the upper (as viewed in FIG. 12) major side 124, therectangular case 120 includes a lower major side 126 (FIG. 13) which isconnected with the upper major side 124 by a plurality of minor sides128, 130 and 132. The case 120 has an open end portion 134 whichprovides access to the electrical device 10 e when the electrical deviceis enclosed by the case 120.

The illustrated case 120 has a generally rectangular configuration whichcorresponds to the generally rectangular configuration of the electricaldevice 10 e. It should be understood that the electrical device 10 e andcase 120 may have a different configuration if desired. For example, theelectrical device 10 e and case 120 may have a generally circularconfiguration.

The illustrated case 120 is integrally molded as one piece of apolymeric material. The cord retainer 32 e is formed of the samepolymeric material as the case 120 and is integrally molded as one piecewith the case 120. However, if desired, the cord retainer 32 e may beformed of a plurality of pieces of polymeric material and/or of anothermaterial, such as metal. The illustrated case 120 is flexible. However,the case 120 may be rigid if desired.

The cord retainer 32 e at least partially defines a groove 34 e (FIG.13) into which a cord may be manually wound to store the cord. The cordmay have any one of many known constructions. For example, the cord maybe similar to the cord disclosed in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2002/0137554 A1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13,the electrical device 10 e is a digital music player. However, theelectrical device 10 e may be a cellular phone, disc player, radio, orany other known device.

The electrical device 10 e has a rigid rectangular housing 12 e which isenclosed by the case 120. A portion of the electrical device 10 e isexposed at an open end portion 134 of the case 120. A switch 140 (FIG.12) and light 142 at one end of the electrical device 10 e are exposedat the open end portion 134 of the casing 120. In addition, an outlet 72e which is engaged by a jack connected with the cord is exposed at theopen end portion 134 of the case 120.

When the cord is to be wound around the cord retainer 32 e, the cord ismanually grasped and moved into the groove 34 e and wound around theoutside of the cord retainer. A plurality of turns of the cord areformed in the groove 34 e around the cord retainer 32 e to at leastpartially fill the groove with the cord. The cord retainer 32 e does notmove relative to the case 120 and electrical device 10 e as the cord iswound around the cord retainer 32 e. The second end of the cord may thenbe secured by inserting it into any one of a plurality of notches 38 eformed in the cord retainer. The stored cord and cord retainer 32 eproject for a relatively small distance from the case 120 and do notdestroy the compact construction and portability of the electricaldevice 10 e.

In the specific embodiment of the cord retainer 32 e illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13, there are eight notches 38 e in the cord retainer.However, a greater or lesser number of notches may be provided ifdesired. For example, either twelve or six notches or recesses, havingthe same configuration as the notches 38 e, may be formed in the cordretainer 32 e. By providing a plurality of notches 38 e in the cordretainer 32 e, a free end portion of the cord is relatively close to anotch into which the cord is to be inserted when the cord has been woundaround the cord retainer 32 e.

It is contemplated that the notches 38 e may be omitted and the cordsecured to the cord retainer 32 e only by winding the cord in the groove34 e. If desired, the groove 34 e may be provided with a partiallyrestricted entrance to retard movement of the cord from the groove. Ifthe notches 38 e are omitted, clips may be used to further hold the cordin the groove 34 e. These clips may be connected with the cord retainer32 e or may be separate from the cord retainer.

The cord retainer 32 e (FIG. 12) has an oval configuration. However, ifdesired, the cord retainer 32 e may have a different configuration, suchas the circular configuration. The cord retainer 32 e may be constructedso as to have the same general configuration as the electrical device 10e and case 120.

The cord retainer 32 e (FIG. 13) is integrally formed as one piece ofmolded polymeric material. In the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the cord retainer 32 e and case 120 areintegrally molded as one piece of polymeric material. The one piece cordretainer 32 e includes a base portion 46 e and a plate portion 48 e.

If desired, the base portion 46 e and plate portion 48 e may be formedseparately and interconnected by one or more fasteners. If the baseportion 46 e and plate portion 48 e are formed separately, they may beformed of different materials. The case 120 may be formed of a materialwhich may be different than the material or materials from which thebase portion 46 e and plate portion 48 e are formed.

The base portion 46 e and plate portion 48 e both have an ovalconfiguration. However, the plate portion 48 e extends beyond the baseportion 46 e to form a flange 50 e. As is perhaps best seen in FIG. 13,the flange 50 e has an inner side surface 150 which cooperates with theupper major side 124 of the case 120 to form the groove 34 e. When acord is wound in the groove 34 e, the cord is held by engagement withthe inner side surface 150 of the flange 50 e and the major side 124 ofthe case 120.

Since the plate portion 48 e has an oval configuration which correspondsto the oval configuration of the base portion 46 e, the flange 50 eextends outward from the base portion 46 e by substantially the samedistance throughout the extent of the flange. This results in the groove34 e having the same depth throughout its extent. Therefore, turns inthe cord which are wrapped around the base portion 46 e can be firmlygripped between the flange 50 e and the upper major side 124 of the case120 throughout the extent of the groove 34.

The illustrated plate portion 48 e has straight parallel edge portions160 and 162. These straight edge portions 160 and 162 are interconnectedby arcuate edge portions 164 and 166. The arcuate edge portions 164 and166 are formed as semicircles. However, it is contemplated that edgeportions may have a different configuration if desired. For example, thestraight edge portions 160 and 162 may have an arcuately curvingconfiguration. As another example, the arcuate edge portions 164 and 166may have a curving arcuate configuration which is different than theconfiguration of a portion of a circle.

Cord Retainer and Case

Second Embodiment

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, thecord retainer 32 e is integrally formed as one piece with the case 120.In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14 the cordretainer is formed separately from the case. Since the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIG. 14 is generally similar to the embodimentof the invention illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, similar numerals willbe utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “f” beingassociated with the numerals of FIG. 14 to avoid confusion.

A known portable electrical device 10 f is illustrated in FIG. 14.Although the portable electrical device 10 f is a digital music player,it should be understood that the digital music player is representativeof many different known types of portable electrical devices. Forexample, the portable electrical device 10 f may be a disc player,cellular phone, or radio.

The electrical device 10 f includes a rectangular housing 12 f which isenclosed by a rectangular case 120 f. The case 120 f has the sameconfiguration as the case 120 of FIGS. 12 and 13. The case 120 f has anopen end portion, 134 f, corresponding to the open end portion 134 ofFIGS. 12 and 13, through which the electrical device 10 f is accessible.

A cord retainer 32 f is connected to the case 120 f by a releasablefastener 42 f. The cord retainer 32 f is integrally formed as a singlepiece of molded polymeric material and has the same general constructionas the cord retainer of FIGS. 2–6. However, if desired, the cordretainer 32 f may be formed of a plurality of pieces of polymericmaterial or other materials, such as metal.

The cord retainer 32 f and case 120 f are formed of the same polymericmaterial. However, the cord retainer 32 f and case 120 f may be formedof different materials if desired. For example, the cord retainer 32 fmay be formed of a polymeric material and the case 120 f of leather. Asanother example, the cord retainer 32 f may be formed of a polymericmaterial and the case 120 f formed of metal. Of course both the cordretainer 32 f and case 120 f may be formed of metal.

The cord retainer 32 f at least partially defines a groove 34 f intowhich a cord may be manually wound to store the cord. The cord may haveany one of many known constructions. As was previously mentioned, thecord may be similar to the cord as disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2002/0137554 A1. A first end of the cord may beconnected to an outlet, corresponding to the outlet 72 e of FIG. 12, orinserted into a notch or recess 34 f in the cord retainer 32 f. Althoughonly three notches 38 f are illustrated in FIG. 14, it should beunderstood that the cord retainer 32 f is provided with eight notches inthe manner previously disclosed in conjunction with the embodiment ofthe invention illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.

When the cord is to be stored, the cord is manually grasped and woundaround the cord retainer 32 f. As this occurs, a plurality of turns areformed in the cord around the cord retainer 32 f to at least partiallyfill the groove 34 f with the electrical cord. The cord retainer 32 fdoes not move relative to the housing as the cord is wound around thecord retainer. The cord is gripped between the case 120 f and cordretainer 32 f.

The cord retainer 32 f is fixedly connected to the case 120 f. Areleasable fastener 42 f (FIG. 14), specifically “dual lock” (trademark)reclosable fastener, is utilized to fixedly connect the cord retainer 32f with the case 120 f. “Dual lock” (trademark) reclosable fastener iscommercially available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company.The reclosable fastener 42 f has the same construction as the reclosablefastener 42 of FIG. 11.

Other known types of fasteners may be utilized to fixedly connect thecord retainer 32 f with the case 120 f. For example, one or more screwsor rivets may be utilized. Alternatively, a single layer of adhesive maybe utilized to connect the cod retainer 32 f with the casing 120 f. Ifdesired, a hook and loop type fastener, such as “Velcro” (trademark),may be used to fixedly connect the cord retainer 32 f to the case 120 f.As still another example, tongue and groove joints may be utilized.Regardless of what type of fastener is used, the cord retainer 32 f isheld in a stationary relationship with the case 120 f by the fastener 42f.

When a releasable fastener, such as “dual lock” (trademark) or “Velcro”(trademark), is utilized to fix the cord retainer 32 f to the case 120f, the cord retainer may be easily disconnected from the case. Thisenables an individual using the electrical device 10 f to easilydisconnect the cord retainer 32 f from the case 120 f. Once the cordretainer 32 f has been disconnected from the case 120 f, the use of thereleasable fastener 42 f enables the cord retainer 32 f to be easilyreconnected to the case 120 f.

The cord retainer 32 f has an oval configuration. However, if desired,the cord retainer may have a different configuration, such as a circularconfiguration. It is believed that the illustrated oval configuration ofthe cord retainer 32 f may be preferred.

As was previously mentioned, the cord retainer 32 f has the same generalconstruction as the cord retainer 32 of FIGS. 4–6. The cord retainer 32f is integrally formed as one piece of molded polymeric material.However, the cord retainer 32 f may be formed of a different material,such as metal. The one piece cord retainer 32 f includes a base portion46 f and a plate portion 48 f. If desired, the base portion 46 f andplate portion 48 f may be formed separately and interconnected with oneor more fasteners.

The base portion 46 f and plate portion 48 f both have an ovalconfiguration. However, the plate portion 48 f extends beyond the baseportion 46 f to form a flange 50 f. The flange 50 f has an inner sidesurface 150 f which cooperates with an upper major side 124 f of thecase 120 f and the base portion 46 f to form the groove 34 f.

Since the plate portion 48 f has an oval configuration which correspondsto the oval configuration of the base portion 46 f, the flange 50 fextends outward from the base portion 46 f by substantially the samedistance throughout the extent of the flange. This results in the groove34 f having the same depth throughout its length. Therefore, turns ofthe cord which are wrapped around the base portion 46 f can be firmlygripped between the flange 50 f and the upper major side 124 f of thecase 120 f throughout the extent of the groove 34.

A recess, corresponding to the recess 54 of FIG. 6, may be formed in thebase portion 46 f to receive the releasable fastener 42 f. The fastenermay include a strip of adhesive which bonds or secures to a flat innerside of the recess formed in the base 46 f. The fastener may have asecond or outer strip of adhesive. A removable covering strip may beprovided on the second or outer strip of adhesive to prevent it frombonding to objects other than the upper major side 124 f of the case 120f.

Combined Belt Clip and Cord Retainer

In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1–13, the cordretainer 32 is utilized to hold a cord for a portable electrical device.In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, thecord retainer performs the dual functions of holding a cord for theelectrical device and connecting the electrical device with a beltextending around a waist or other portion of a body of a person usingthe electrical device. Since the embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIGS. 15 and 16 is generally similar to the embodiment of theinvention illustrated at FIGS. 1–14, similar numerals will be utilizedto designate similar components, the suffix letter “g” being associatedwith the numerals of 15 and 16 to avoid confusion.

A known portable electrical device 10 g is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and16. Although the portable electrical device 10 g is a digital musicplayer, it should be understood that the digital music player isrepresentative of many different known'types of portable electricaldevices. The portable electrical device is enclosed by a case 120 g(FIG. 15). A cord retainer 32 g is mounted on an upper major side 124 gof the rectangular case 120 g. The cord retainer 32 g has the samegeneral construction and function as the cord retainers of FIGS. 1through 14. In addition, the cord retainer 32 g functions as a beltclip.

In addition to the upper (as viewed in FIG. 15) major side 124 g, thecase 120 g includes a lower major side 126 g (FIG. 16) which isconnected with the upper major side 124 g by minor sides 128 g, 130 gand 132 g. The rectangular case 120 g has an open end portion 134 gwhich provides access to the portable electrical device 10 g when theelectrical device is enclosed by the case 120 g.

The illustrated case 120 g has a general rectangular configuration whichcorresponds to the generally rectangular configuration of the electricaldevice 10 g. It should be understood that the electrical device 10 g andcase 120 g may have a different configuration if desired. For example,the electrical device 10 g and case 120 g may have a generally circularconfiguration.

The illustrated case 120 g is integrally molded as one piece of apolymeric material. The cord retainer 32 g is formed of the samematerial as the case 120 g and is integrally molded as one piece withthe case 120 g. However, if desired, the cord retainer 32 g may beformed of a plurality of pieces of polymeric material or of anothermaterial, such as metal. The illustrated case 120 g is flexible.However, the case 120 g may be rigid if desired.

The cord retainer 32 g at least partially defines a groove 34 g (FIG.16) into which a cord may be wound to store the cord. The cord may haveany one of many known constructions. In the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the electrical device 10 g is a digitalmusic player. However, the electrical device 10 g may be a cellularphone, disc player, radio or any other known device.

The electrical device 10 g has a rigid rectangular housing 12 g (FIG.15) which is enclosed by the case 120 g. A portion of the electricaldevice 10 g is exposed at the open end portion 134 g of the case 120 g.A switch 140 g and a light 142 g at one end of the electrical device 10g are exposed at the open end portion 134 g of the casing 120 g. Inaddition, an outlet 72 g, which is engaged by a jack connected with acord, is exposed at the open end portion 134 g of the case 120 g.

When the cord is to be wound around the cord retainer 32 g, the cord ismanually grasped and moved into the groove 34 g and wound around theoutside of the cord retainer. A plurality of turns of the cord areformed in the groove 34 g around the cord retainer 32 g to at leastpartially fill the groove with the electrical cord. The cord retainer 32g does not move relative to the case 120 g and electrical device 10 g asthe cord is wound around the cord retainer. The second end of the cordmay then be secured by inserting it into one of a plurality of notches38 g formed in the cord retainer 32 g. The stored cord and cord retainer32 g project for a relatively small distance from the case 120 g and donot destroy the compact construction and portability of the electricaldevice 10 g.

The cord retainer 32 g is integrally molded as one piece of moldedpolymeric material. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16, the cord retainer 32 g and case 120 g are integrallymolded as one piece of polymeric material. The one piece cord retainer32 g includes a base portion 46 g and a plate portion 48 g. If desired,the base portion 46 g and plate portion 48 g may be formed separatelyand interconnected by suitable fasteners. For example, interlockinggrooves or other elements may be utilized.

The base portion 46 g and plate portion 48 g both have an ovalconfiguration. However, the plate portion 48 g extends beyond the baseportion 46 g to form a flange 50 g. The flange 50 g has an inner sidesurface 150 g which cooperates with the upper major side 124 g of thecase 120 g to form the groove 34 g. When a cord is wound in the groove34 g, the cord is held by engagement with the inner side surface 150 gof the flange 50 g and the major side 124 g of the case 120 g.

In accordance with a feature of the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the cord retainer 32 g functions as abelt clip to connect the portable electrical device 10 g and case 120 gwith a belt which extends around a waist or other portion of a body of aperson using the portable electrical device 10 g. To enable the cordretainer 32 g to function as a belt clip, the base portion 46 g (FIG.16) is formed in two sections 180 and 182 (FIGS. 15 and 16). The section180 of the base portion 46 g is fixedly connected to the case 120 g andto the plate portion 48 g. The section 182 of the base portion 46 g isfixedly connected to the plate portion 48 g.

The section 182 of the base portion 46 g is separate from the case 120g. A small slot 184 (FIG. 16) is formed between the section 182 of thebase portion 46 g and the case 120 g. A rounded cam surface 188 isformed on the section 182 of the base.

When an edge portion 192 of a belt 194 is pressed against the camsurface 188, the plate portion 48 g of the cord retainer 32 g is flexedand the section 182 of the base portion 46 g moves away from the case120 to enlarge the slot 184. This enables the belt 194 to move into agenerally rectangular space 198 disposed between the sections 180 and182 of the base portion 46 g. If desired, the section 180 of the baseportion 46 g may be constructed so as to flex along with the plateportion 48 g. If desired, a spring biased hinge may be utilized to allowthe plate portion 48 g to move relative to the base portion 46 g.

Once the belt 194 has moved into the space 198, the natural resilienceof the plate portion 48 g causes the section 182 of the base portion 46g to spring back toward the case 120 g to reduce the size of the slot184. The edge portion 192 of the belt 194 will then engage the section180 of the base portion 46 g. The weight of the portable electricaldevice 10 g is transferred from the case 120 through the section 180 ofthe base portion 46 g to the belt 194. A flange or lip 196 is providedon the section 182 of the base portion 48 g to engage an edge portion198 of the belt 194.

When the portable electrical device 10 g is to be disconnected from thebelt 194, the edge portion 192 of the belt 194 is pressed against thesection 180 of the base 46 g. A lower major side 210 of the belt 194 ispressed against the upper major side 124 g of the case 120 g. Force isthen manually applied to the plate portion 48 g to flex the plateportion 48 g to move the section 182 of the base away from the uppermajor side 124 g of the case 120 g. This increases the size of the slot184 to enable the belt to be moved through the slot. As this occurs, thecase 120 g and electrical device 10 g are disconnected from the belt194.

When the section 180 of the base 46 g and the plate portion 48 g are inthe undeflected condition illustrated in FIG. 16, the slot 184 has athickness, that is, the distance between the upper major side 124 g ofthe case 120 g and the section 182 of the base 46 g, which is less thanthe diameter or thickness of a cord to be wound around the cord retainer32 g. Therefore, once the case 120 g and cord retainer 32 g have beendisconnected from the belt 194, the cord can be wound in the groove 34 garound the sections 180 and 182 of the base 46 g.

Cord Retainer and Fastener

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, thecord retainer 32 g is integrally formed with the case 120 g andfunctions as a belt clip. In the embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIG. 17, the cord retainer is formed separately and is connecteddirectly to the housing 12 g of the electrical device 10 g. However, thecord retainer may be connected with a case, corresponding to the case120 g of FIGS. 15 and 16 rather than the housing 12 g of the electricaldevice 10 g.

Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 17 isgenerally similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1–16, similar numerals will be utilized to identify similarcomponents, the suffix letter “h” being associated with the numerals ofFIG. 17 to avoid confusion.

A portable electrical device 10 h, specifically, a digital music player,is illustrated schematically in FIG. 17. The portable electrical device10 h has a housing 12 h. A cord retainer 32 h is connected to thehousing 12 h by a releasable fastener 42 h. The releasable fastener 42 his “dual lock” (trademark) and has the same construction as isillustrated schematically in FIG. 11. The cord retainer 32 h functionsas a belt clip and has the same general construction as the cordretainer 32 g of FIG. 16. However, the section 180 h of the base 46 h isconnected with the housing 12 h of the electrical device 10 h by thereleasable fastener 42 h. It should be understood that a case,corresponding to the case 120 g of FIG. 16 may be provided inassociation with the electrical device 10 h if desired. If this is done,the releasable fastener 42 h would connect the cord retainer 32 h to thecase rather than to the housing 12 h of the electrical device 10 h.

The base 46 h of the cord retainer 32 h is integrally formed as onepiece with a plate portion 48 h of the cord retainer. However, ifdesired, the section 180 h of the base 46 h may be formed separatelyfrom the plate portion 48 h. For example, the section 180 h of the base46 h may be formed of a resiliently deflectable metal which is securedto the plate portion 48 h. A section 182 h of the base 46 h has the sameconstruction as the section 182 of the base 46 g of FIG. 16 and isintegrally formed as one piece with the flange portion 48 h. However, ifdesired, the section 142 h of the base 46 h may also be formed of aresiliently deflectable metal and connected with the flange portion 48h.

CONCLUSION

In view of the foregoing description, it is apparent that the presentinvention relates to a new and improved cord retainer 32 for use with aportable electrical device 10 having a cord. The electrical device 10may be at least partially enclosed by a case 120. The cord retainer 32is compact and is effective to store a cord without interfering withcarrying and use of the electrical device 10. The cord retainer may havea flange 50 which is connected with a housing 12 of the electricaldevice 10 or with the case 120 for the electrical device. The flange 50of the cord retainer at least partially defines a groove 34 into whichthe cord may be manually wound.

The cord retainer 32 may be fixedly connected with the housing 12 forthe portable electrical device 10. When a case 120 is used to enclose atleast a portion of the housing 12 for the electrical device 10, the cordretainer 34 may be fixedly connected to the case. The cord retainer 32may function as a belt clip to connect the electrical device with a belt194.

The cord retainer 32 may be movable between a retracted position inwhich the cord retainer is at least partially enclosed by the housing 12for the portable electrical device 10 and an extended position in whichthe cord retainer extends outward from the housing (see FIGS. 9 and 10).The cord retainer 32 may have a recess 92 which receives a component 94of the portable electrical device.

It is contemplated that the cord retainer 32 constructed in accordancewith the present invention will be utilized in association with manydifferent types of portable electrical devices. The cord retainer 32 maybe particularly advantageous when utilized in association with acellular phone 10. However, it should be understood that the cordretainer may be utilized in association with other portable electricaldevices such as disc players, digital music players, and/or radios.

1. An apparatus comprising a portable electrical device having ahousing, a case which at least partially encloses said housing of saidportable electrical device, and a cord retainer connected to said case,said cord retainer including a flange which at least partially defines agroove into which a cord may be manually wound, said cord retainerincludes a base which is fixedly connected with said case and which hasa central axis which extends through said electrical device and throughsaid case, said base and said flange having an oval cross sectionalconfiguration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to thecentral axis of said base, said flange includes first and secondparallel portions disposed adjacent to opposite sides of said base andfirst and second arcuate portions, said first arcuate portion beingconnected to a first end of said first parallel portion and to a firstend of said second parallel portion, said second arcuate portion beingconnected to a second end of said first parallel portion and to a secondend of said second parallel portion.
 2. An apparatus as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said first and second parallel portions of said flangeeach have a recess which is engagable with the electrical cord to gripthe electrical cord, said first and second arcuate portions of saidflange each have a recess which is engagable with the electrical cord togrip the electrical cord.
 3. An apparatus comprising a portableelectrical device having a housing, a case which at least partiallyencloses said housing of said portable electrical device, and a cordretainer connected to said case, said cord retainer including a flangewhich at least partially defines a groove into which a cord may bemanually wound, said flange has an inner side surface which faces towardand is spaced from said case, said case having an outer side surfacewhich faces toward said inner side surface of said flange, said outerside surface of said case cooperates with said inner side surface ofsaid flange to further define said groove, at least a portion of aplurality of turns of said cord being disposed in engagement with saidouter side surface of said case and said inner side surface of saidflange when said cord is wound in said groove.
 4. An apparatus as setforth in claim 3 wherein said cord retainer includes a base which isconnected with said flange and a reclosable multiple layered fastenerconnected with said base, said reclosable multiple layered fastenerbeing connected with said case to releasably connect said cord retainerwith said case.
 5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein saidcord retainer is integrally formed as one piece with said case.
 6. Anapparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said cord retainer includes afastener which fixedly secures said cord retainer to one side of saidcase, a portion of said one side of said case being disposed betweensaid cord retainer and said housing.
 7. An apparatus as set forth inclaim 3 wherein said flange and said groove have a noncircularconfiguration.
 8. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said cordretainer includes a base having a first end portion and a fastenerconnected with said first end portion of said base and with said case.9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said cord retainerincludes a base having a first end portion which is fixedly connectedwith said case and a second end portion which is fixedly connected withsaid flange, said cord retainer has a central axis which extends throughsaid base and said case, said base and flange have oval cross sectionalconfigurations as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to thecentral axis of said cord retainer, said case has a surface area whichcooperates with said flange to further define the groove into which thecord may be manually wound.
 10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9wherein said base and flange are integrally formed as one piece.
 11. Anapparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said cord retainer includes abase which is fixedly connected with said case and which has a centralaxis which extends through said electrical device and through said case.12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said base and flangeare integrally formed as one piece.
 13. An apparatus as set forth inclaim 11 wherein said base has an oval cross sectional configuration asviewed in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of saidcord retainer.
 14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein saidflange includes first and second parallel portions and first and secondarcuate portions, said first arcuate portion being connected to a firstend of said first parallel portion and to a first end of said secondparallel portion, said second arcuate portion being connected to asecond end of said first parallel portion and to a second end of saidsecond parallel portion.
 15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 14wherein said first and second parallel portions of said flange each havea recess which is engagable with the electrical cord to grip theelectrical cord, said first and second arcuate portions of said flangeeach have a recess which is engagable with the electrical cord to gripthe electrical cord.